Page 84 of Savage

As I got to the bedroom door, my fingers hovering over the handle, Marcus spoke again. “Wynter?”

“Yes?” I said without turning around.

“I hope you know what you’re both doing,” Marcus whispered with a quiet sternness.

And BOOM, it was like a rocket went off in my chest. It appeared my stepfather had put two and two together. He knew about Jaxon and me.

I didn’t reply, I just left the room. It didn’t seem right after Jaxon and I had agreed to tell them together. And right then, didn’t seem the time. Considering what had just happened.

I warily approached Jaxon’s bedroom door, worried at what I might see. Deciding to knock, I drew back a step and listened for his response. Maybe he was sleeping?

“Come in,” a tired voice replied from behind the barrier and I pushed the door open and walked into the room.

Jaxon was sitting up in bed with the pillows bunched around him. I recalled Marcus’s comment about putting him to bed which had sounded so strange coming from an adult. The thought of anyone putting something so large and dangerous looking to bed. Those were the types of words used when putting a child to bed; something Jaxon hadn’t been for many years.

He didn’t look as bad as he had downstairs; yes his face was bruised and slightly swollen but the blood had been washed off and both his eyes were open. One bigger than the other.

I approached and sat down on the bed, my expression one of concern and pride. The way he had stuck up for me and my mother had scored him even more points in my favour. My God, I loved this boy and I so wanted to tell him that then.

“How are you feeling?” I whispered, taking one of his hands in mine.

He smiled weakly. “Like a bag a shit to put it bluntly. But better now you’re here,” Jaxon replied through his split lip.

“Thank you, Jaxon. For protecting my mum and me.”

He shuffled further up the bed, the movement making him wince.

“Well, at least I’ve met dear old dad now. What a fucker.”

Taking a deep breath, I nodded. “Yes,” I agreed on an exhale, my body sagging.

Jaxon ran his thumb across the back of my hand. He still looked beautiful, even with his battle wounds. I sure hoped nothing scarred.

“I’m sorry Wynter,” Jaxon suddenly said, filling the silence.

My brow scrunched. “For what?”

“I’m sorry that you had a man like that in your life. I’m sorry for you both.”

Nodding, I had to agree with him.

“Are you sad he’s gone,” Jaxon asked, his face slightly shadowed in the dim lamp lit room.

“No, relieved really. I want him out of our lives for good.”

“Well, my father is pressing charges for assault as well as breaking and entering and so I imagine there may be time inside or a huge fine. Either way, he won’t be able to come near either of you again. My dad has friends in high places.”

His words were more than welcome. He made me feel safe and special.

“Marcus was amazing,” I stated softly, not wanting Jaxon to feel like he wasn’t.

Pushing his head back against the head rest, he closed his eyes and said, “He was. I must admit, I knew he was a tough from what my superiors at the base said about him. Bit of a hell raiser in his day but I’ve never seen him in action. Now I’ve met your old man, I can see that mine isn’t that bad. It’s funny that you don’t always appreciate what’s right in front of you.” Jaxon spoke the last sentence with his eyes open, focused on me and I knew I was included in those words as well as Marcus.

I smiled fondly. “I should let you get some sleep.”

Sniffing, Jaxon leaned to take the glass of water off the bedside table and I helped him. Passing him the two painkillers that were sat there.

“If it wasn’t for the fact that I ache everywhere like a motherfucker, I’d been asking you for a different type of medicine. One I definitely find healing and relaxing,” Jaxon commented with a wicked twist to his lips and my cheeks heated.

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